Influential Shepolopolo midfielder Kabange Mupopo has been ruled of Sunday’s African Women Championship qualifier against Namibia set for Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Mupopo, who is also Africa’s 400 meters star, has failed to make the final 18-member Zambia Women National team announced by coach Albert Kachinga on Wednesday due to forthcoming athletics engagements in South Africa and the US.
“Kabange is not on the list due to the simple fact that she has other commitments where athletics are concerned. Just this week she might be leaving for South Africa and then immediately she comes back she has a meet in the USA. So we do not want to jeopardize her athletics career,”he said.
Meanwhile, Kachinga said his final squad is a mix of both experience and youth.
“We have more or less come up with a new team which is ready to compete at the highest level,” said Kachinga.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Hazel Nali (Nchanga Queens), Chiko Nkhoma (Red Arrows)
Defenders: Anita Mulenga (Green Buffaloes), Annie Kibanji (Green Buffaloes), Martha Tembo (Chibolya Queens), Emelda Musonda (Red Arrows), Jane Chalwe (Red Arrows), Grace Zulu (Indeni Roses)
Midfielders: Esther Nakalange Mukwasa (Moba Queens), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Ireen Lungu (Green Buffaloes), Barbra Banda (Bauleni United Sports Academy), Rhoda Chileshe (Zesco United), Mary Mwakapila (Bauleni United Sports Academy), Misozi Zulu (National Assembly)
Strikers: Grace Chanda (Zesco United), Hellen Mubanga (Bauleni United Sports Academy), Noria Sosala (Indeni Roses)
